KIO3-Catalyzed C(sp2)-H Bond Selenylation/Sulfenylation of (Hetero)arenes: Synthesis of Chalcogenated (Hetero)arenes and their Evaluation for Anti-Alzheimer Activity

Highly efficient KIO3-catalyzed chalcogenations (S and Se) of (hetero)arenes, with easily accessible and odorless dichalcogenides, were obtained through direct C(sp(2))-H bond chalcogenation. Using this benign, atom-economic protocol, the desired products were obtained regioselectively in good to excellent yields in the presence of ethylene glycol (4 equiv.) and KIO3 (20 mol%) as a non-toxic and easily handled catalyst. This metal- and solvent-free approach is scalable, and it is applicable to different types of (hetero)arenes. Furthermore, several of these chalcogenated (hetero)arenes exhibited a significantly high percentage of AChE inhibition, revealing their potential anti-Alzheimer activity.